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Print Friendly MapThe Pequest Wildlife Management Area, although a rail trail, is much better suited to walking than to biking. It provides excellent access to the Pequest River which is stocked with trout. Some bridges across the river have not been decked and consist only of the original railroad ties.
About the Route
The eastern end of the trail in Buttzville is located at the intersection of US Route 46 and NJ Route 31. It is an interesting configuration of two abandoned railroad bridges one passing over the other. Accessing the old rail bed at this location requires a hike down a steep embankment from the parking area. Then, the trail parallels US Route 46 Between NJ Route 31 and Pequest Furnace Road, where two rail lines ran parallel to each other, one low along the banks of the Pequest River and the other further up the hillside. Just before Pequest Furnace Road the upper line turned off to the south. A portion of this line is now the Oxford Bikeway. There are remnants of several old abutments on the west side of Pequest Furnace Road. The bridge crossing the Pequest River at this location is decked. There is a large parking area on the east side of Pequest Furnace Road.
The Pequest Wildlife Management Area runs between Pequest Rd. (Townsbury) and NJ 31 (Townsbury), with parking available at either end.
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Might be a bit easier hiking, but the trail itself is rather bumpy riding a bike. Starting from the Hatchery / finish parking lot, heading southwest towards Buttzville it’s a slight decline as it parallels US-46. Only one road crossing before the end of the trail. The trail officially ends at an old rail bridge crossing, though the right of way looks to continue further. Heading northeast from the Hatchery parking lot it’s pretty flat and not nearly as bumpy, but the trail becomes increasingly narrow and overgrown. I wasn’t able to make it to the end due to all the thorn bushes in the way. Would be a nice short round trip if the trail was better maintained / a smoother ride, but I probably won’t go out of my way to ride it again until then.
Not too surprising that this trail hasn’t seen a review since 2018. I parked at the parking lot just off US-46 near the Pequest Trout Hatchery. Heading southwest from this parking lot towards Buttzville, it’s just over 2.5 miles one way. The majority of the trail is rather rocky, so if you’re on a bike you’ll be rattling quite a bit. There are stretches of just grass and less bumpy dirt / gravel, so it’s not all bad. The last tenth of a mile as you near the end of the trail on the map it gets a bit narrower / bumpy / poorly maintained, but then you stumble upon an old rail bridge and crossing. Heading northeast from the Hatchery parking lot, at first isn’t that bad. You cross a bridge quickly, but about a quarter mile past that the trail becomes narrow and overgrown. Thorn bush branches stick out and it’s pretty much impossible to not hit them. I turned back before making it to the northeastern terminus. You’ll be on a slow decline heading west, and a slow incline heading east. Overall, I likely wouldn’t go out of my way again to ride on this trail.
Not too surprising that this trail hasn’t seen a review since 2018. I parked at the parking lot just off US-46 near the Pequest Trout Hatchery. Heading southwest from this parking lot towards Buttzville, it’s just over 2.5 miles one way. The majority of the trail is rather rocky, so if you’re on a bike you’ll be rattling quite a bit. There are stretches of just grass and less bumpy dirt / gravel, so it’s not all bad. The last tenth of a mile as you near the end of the trail on the map it gets a bit narrower / bumpy / poorly maintained, but then you stumble upon an old rail bridge and crossing. Heading northeast from the Hatchery parking lot, at first isn’t that bad. You cross a bridge quickly, but about a quarter mile past that the trail becomes narrow and overgrown. Thorn bush branches stick out and it’s pretty much impossible to not hit them. I turned back before making it to the northeastern terminus. You’ll be on a slow decline heading west, and a slow incline heading east. Overall, I likely wouldn’t go out of my way again to ride on this trail.
This is an amazing area rich in history and scenery. There is parking at either end and two points in between . This trail also connects to the Warren railroad and Pequest furnace. The L&HR trail still has many artifacts from it's railroad days. Other than the initial descent at the intersection of 31 and 46 the trail is very flat and easy to walk. Just an amazing place.
It is difficult to find a good parking area. It is also a very lonely area.
"It's been almost three years since my last trip to the Pequest WMA trail. Its former state was the reason for the lapse. The trail is now a trail! It has been completely cleared of all vegetation, ties and rails. It is now an excellent trail with two shortcomings, mostly for bikers and horseback riders.
A considerable portion of the ROW consists of moderately large gravel, which is not the greatest surface for walking, but not that bad. It would be a different story for bikers. At least 50% of the trail is of better consistency, and in many areas, ""wheel tracks"" have moved the gravel aside.
There are 3 steel bridges over the Pequest River, which are suitable for walking, but not for bikes and impossible for horses. There is no decking on the bridges, just open ties in varying states of decay, with clear views of the rushing water below.
The area is very attractive, and if the bridges were upgraded and the trail surface made more user friendly, this would rank with the best trails. It is completely level and has only two rural road crossings and one private crossing. There are many views of the river and it passes under the old DL&W main line. Parking is available at the north end, at the Hatchery access road and at Pequest Furnace Rd.
This trail has undergone an amazing transformation. Let's hope it can make the next step to a great trail!
Now rates a 6 out of 10!"
" The only parking area for this trail is just off Rte 46 at the entrance to the Pequest Hatchery, just before crossing the Pequest River. The trail goes north of here for just over 1 mile, but is mostly overgrown. The section immediately south is densely overgrown at first, but becomes more passable after a short distance. Brush and saplings sprout generously along the rest of the ROW. Ties are in place, though quite rotted, along most of the trail. Biking is impossible except for masochists! Walking can be difficult, and the easiest use of the trail is feeding the bugs - your blood! The area is very attractive, but the trail needs a lot of work.
Rates a 2 out of 10!
Fred"
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